2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

The Fire Watch Project Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Mental Health, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention

Mission: The Fire Watch is Florida’s fight to end Veteran suicide. It was founded as a community-based organization in Northeast Florida in 2019 under three premises – (1) that suicide is preventable, (2) that we must connect Veterans to resources they need before they slip into crisis, and (3) that the broader community can play a vital role in the effort. Over 6,000 U.S. military veterans have died by suicide each year since 2008, including more than 500 annually in Florida. Northeast Florida - Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties - is home to 1,500,000 residents and 160,000 military veterans. In 2019, these counties lost 81 veterans to suicide, the highest annual count yet recorded. The rate of veteran suicides in 2019 in the region was 45 out of 100,000, which is more than twice the rate of civilian suicides. Our objective is to reduce Veteran suicides in targeted geographic areas by 25% over three years (compared to baseline year) by providing Veterans with easier access to upstream resources and services, including transition support, financial assistance, and mental health services. In 2022, we expanded our programming statewide.

Community Stories

29 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

OneCommunityNow

OneCommunityNow Client Served

Rating: 5

05/04/2025

Brianne went above and beyond to create a special Fire Watch training session tailored specifically for our Operation Stand Down event. While this wasn’t her usual audience or setting, she delivered an outstanding, interactive presentation that engaged veterans, volunteers, and vendors alike. Her personable nature, strong communication skills, and professionalism made a lasting impression. Brianne is not only a gifted presenter but also someone who connects deeply with her audience. The information she shared through this program is critical—and truly has the potential to save lives.

Amandy24 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/30/2025

Fire Watch and the training it offers to both civilians and military members has been very well received here in Brevard County. As a social worker it is a beautiful resource to have available for acute and nonacute needs of our residents. Thank you, Henry and the entire Fire Watch team, for doing what you do to heighten suicide awareness and promote prevention.

Zilopa Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/30/2025

Fire Watch is an outstanding organization dedicated to supporting veterans with passion and purpose. Their commitment to serving the community is truly inspiring. I have the pleasure of working closely with Henry, and I’m honored to be part of his growing community group. On behalf of JourneyPure, we are deeply grateful for all that you do. Thank you for making a meaningful difference.

Makarios1 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/28/2025

There are special people that come around every so often who embody everything beautiful and powerful about community work. Veteran Suicide is such a heartbreaking truth to what we are seeing day after day here in our country. But we have someone like Brianne representing The Fire Watch with such passion and grace that her impact has broken down barriers and opened partnerships across the state of Florida. Her efforts, God's Grace and these collaborative relationships will undoubtably establish change and progress.

j.lancaster Donor

Rating: 5

04/25/2025

Firewatch fills a need in the Florida veteran community. Their outreach and dedication to developing new partners in the quest to end veteran suicide is unmatched. Always nice to work with an org where you can see the direct impact of your dollars in their mission.

USCGVet2017 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/09/2025

The Fire Watch breaks the stigma of only vets can help vets. Their training helps to engage communities across Florida to make a significant impact. I have never seen anything like this, and they truly are making a large impact on veteran suicide reduction. A lot of action, and not a lot of talk.

Dennisobaker Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/24/2024

The Fire Watch Program lead by Nick Howland is by far the most effective tool in Florida and beyond in the fight against Veterans Suicide. They have proven results and are our "Go To" program in the State of Florida. Their judicious work and stewardship of funds that they receive are unparalleled. We always use their tools in our toolbox and have become a 100% certified in the State because we believe in their mission. We are a safe place for any Veterans in despair and have the confidence to do so because of their Fire Watch Training Program.

PPLager General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/24/2024

Yesterday, 27 AmeriCorps members from Seniors in Service Operation: Veteran Connect participated in Fire Watch's suicide prevention training. The session delivered a powerful message about the alarming suicide rates in Florida and the vital role of programs like ours in becoming Watch Standers. Many of those who serve in our program are veterans, and the education provided was invaluable. After the training, two veterans in our program received assistance, reminding us that sometimes those in need are right in front of us. I’m incredibly grateful for this training and even more so for the fact that two more veterans in our state are now getting the care they deserve. Thank you, Fire Watch, for making this possible!

lehman1842 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/23/2024

As a U.S. Navy veteran, I am incredibly grateful for organizations like The Fire Watch, which are committed to ending the epidemic of veteran suicide. This crisis affects veterans across the nation, and initiatives like this are more essential than ever. The Fire Watch deserves full support from every state and should be fully funded in each year's budget to ensure its life-saving mission reaches those in need. I strongly encourage everyone to become a Watch Stander—it's a proven and powerful way to help reduce veteran suicide and make a real difference in the lives of those who have served.

anisip General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/23/2024

It has been a privilege to work closely with the Fire Watch Project, an organization that is truly one of a kind. Their passion and unwavering commitment to veterans' suicide prevention is evident in everything they do. It's clear that they deeply care about raising awareness and providing support for those in need, working tirelessly every day to make a difference. The Fire Watch Projects focus on saving lives and ensuring that every veteran, past or present, feels reassured and supported is inspiring. Thank you to the entire team for the incredible work you do and the mission you stand for.

IGY6Company Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/02/2024

Dear Ian and The Fire Watch Team,

On behalf of IGY6 Company, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the incredible opportunity you provided to Scott and me. Being invited to Jacksonville, Florida, and having all our food and board fully funded was an immense gesture that we greatly appreciate.

Participating in the ASIST Certification was an invaluable experience for both of us. The training not only enhanced our skills but also deepened our commitment to supporting those in need. The knowledge we gained will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Your dedication to empowering others and your unwavering support for our mission at IGY6 Company does not go unnoticed. We are truly honored to have partnered with an organization as impactful as The Fire Watch. This experience has been transformative, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to make an even greater impact in the future.

Thank you once again for your generosity, hospitality, and belief in our work.

With deepest appreciation,

Tiffany Orner
IGY6 Company.com
@IGY6Company
https://linkin.bio/igy6company/

RelateWell Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/01/2024

The Fire Watch is a most woenderful, professional and caring group of people who love and care for veterans who struggle. We have been a safe place at our work (RelateWell Institute) and having once been a licensed counselor for 30 years and now a life and relationship coach, their training and connections provide the help, guidance and care our veterans need. I most strongly urge you to support and utilize their services for our struggling veterans.

scottp504 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/01/2024

I was first introduced to the Fire Watch through a friend of ours. Her name is Tiffany Orner and she invited us to sit through a trading session at The Island in Okaloosa County. After this attendance, I knew I wanted to know and do more. This group brings to light what our Service Members go through and how business can become a Veteran Safe Place. Soldier suicide is a serious problem in this country and it really hit home for me. I’m a Combat Veteran and a suicide survivor. So this is an amazing program and deserve all the help and support they can get. Not only have I become a member of the Fire Watch, I am also in the process of becoming an instructor. I believe that my experience will help the watch become a greater presence and will help and support the veterans in the state of Florida.

CGWife99 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/01/2024

The Firewatch is a nonprofit that is needed not only in Florida but anywhere there are Veterans.

The training is amazing to make one feel more confident when speaking to those that are in the military or have been in the military. It also gives those in trouble a safe place to come and get the assistance that they need.

I am honored to be involved with The Firewatch and to support them as they support the Veteran community.

Retired_Coastie_2017 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/29/2024

I have been a Watch Stander for over two years. Despite being a Veteran myself, prior to taking the free training, I did not know that there were so many resources available for veterans. I love that this is lime CPR where it empowers communities to get involved. A huge bonus is that it is free which reduces any doubt for anyone questioning whether to take it. Truly a life saving organization.

TMiller68 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/24/2024

I am deeply impressed by The Fire Watch Project and its efforts to combat veteran suicide. As I have witnessed their leadership, volunteers, and communication methods, I am struck by the power and inspiration of their message. Their innovative Watch Stander program stands out as a shining example of how individuals can make a difference by being vigilant and supportive of vulnerable veterans.

I am particularly impressed by the program's online training and free resources guide, which makes it easy for anyone to get involved, even if they don't have a lot of time. This accessibility is a testament to The Fire Watch's commitment to engaging people who may not have a lot of time to devote to the cause, but still want to make a positive impact.

JeremyNettles Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/24/2024

This organization does great work empowering everyday people join in the fight to end veteran suicide. The training is easily accessible and can help save the lives of our nation's heroes.

nicholasgcannon Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/07/2023

This organization truly saves veteran lives. The office of Congresswoman Cherfilus Mccormick received the training from Fire Watch and it made all of us more prepared to give the best assistance possible to our great veterans. Special shoutout to Henry, thank you for what you do.

1

PSLmom General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/28/2023

I first became aware of Fire Watch at a community event for Veterans. Immediately, I fell in love with their mission and inquired about getting more information. After doing some research, I decided to take the online training. I completed the training on a Saturday and had to put into practice what I learned the very next day after receiving a series of text messages from a friend who is a Veteran. I can honestly say that due to the training and resources I received from The Fire Watch that there is one less Veteran suicide to report. I was so impressed with the training that I brought the CEO of our company the idea to train our staff. Since then, we are a proud Veteran Safe Place and have also offered the training to our fleet of volunteers who work with our Veterans.

1

CLRuskin Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/19/2023

Our office recently had the opportunity to learn more about The Fire Watch Project as part of a clinical in-service and what an eye-opener! As a Registered Nurse I always appreciate having every resource I can to help my patients and my community. This initiative is very informative for both healthcare providers and support staff who deal with Veterans in the clinical setting and community. Thank you for all you do and for the valuable information!

1

MarieJax General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/19/2023

I am proud to be a Watch Stander, and just recently read more info about how well the Watch Stander veteran suicide prevention program works! In 2019, the year before it was launched here in Northeast Florida, there were 78 veteran suicides in the region. In 2021, with 2 years of the program in place, there were 42 (a 46% reduction!). Because of how effective the Watch Stander program is, I believe veterans are getting more help and support, and less people in our community are mourning the loss of a friend or a loved one.

1

TLC505 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/12/2023

As a veteran I am grateful that there is an organization that is committed to ending veteran suicide. The watch stander training was very informative and helpful. I now know what to do if I encounter a veteran in crisis.

1

Brianne1 Donor

Rating: 5

07/07/2023

We had the opportunity to have some great information about the struggles that our Veterans may be experiencing every day! We are happy to provide medical care to many Veterans in our area so this information and the great posters that pass the word to those who can’t talk about it is wonderful. We have also become a safe place for our veterans. Very happy to be a part of helping these wonderful people that have served us so well.
I would recommend all businesses to take part in this training!

1

Amy_Collins Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2023

I love the simplicity of the training. I'm not afraid to ask questions and know what to do next. The resource list available online and in the app helps me to connect veterans in crisis with the help they need. I also love that I have access to more in depth training through Psych Armor.

1

HAngle Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/07/2023

The mission of The Fire Watch is a priceless one. After taking the "Veteran" training which took about 30 minutes, I felt I gained another tool in my toolbox to help my fellow Veterans in crisis. As a Veteran advocate who has taken many suicide prevention trainings workshops which can take up to 5 days, this was a nice change of pace. It lays out the steps in a way that is easy for anyone to understand, and it keeps the participant engaged while providing valuable information. The Fire Watch's "Watch Stander" training has made me realize that anyone can be involved in saving a life. Despite their Veteran, or professional status. Thank you for what you do The Fire Watch and keep up the good fight!

1

Spinebuster357 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2023

Since I taking the training provided by the fire watch I have a greater understanding of not only how veteran suicide is preventable but how much stigma stands in the way for people to reach out to a veteran in need.
As a veteran, I remember several attempts at suicide during basic training as well as suicides completed at the bases I served. If we had access to training like the Fire Watch provides back then I believe that something could have been done to prevent that.
I hope I never have to uses this training but if I ever do I am confident I can help save a life.

1

BBrown09 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/06/2023

Since taking The Watch Stander training I am able to continue to best serve the veterans within my community. As a veteran myself and having my own experience, I saw the signs of suicide but never knew to ask the question till I took this training. Now I feel more confident assisting other I may encounter before they slip into crisis.

I highly recommend all persons to take this simple training and help stand watch against veteran suicide.

1

lbgearhart29 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/06/2023

Veteran suicide prevention is near and dear to my heart so it was a no-brainer that I would volunteer to be a part of this organization. The Fire Watch is creating a critical network of people trained to help veterans in need, and I'm proud to be in that network.

1

nhowland2009 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2023

The Fire Watch's Watch Stander program has contributed significantly to a 46% reduction in veteran suicides in Northeast Florida since 2019. This is an amazing result, and in no small part due to the 4,000+ volunteer Watch Standers that The Fire Watch has trained to recognize the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to connect those veterans to the help and resources they need.

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